Fernando Alonso: “In my true place”

Fernando Alonso, how do you explain your disappointing seventh place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
It's a bit sad but there's nothing we can do about it. The race went badly for us. Already, at the start, I lost a place. Afterwards, there was the entry of the safety car, Petrov and Rosberg changed tires, then, a few laps later, Webber. We had to make a decision. We changed tires to protect ourselves from Webber because we thought he was the most dangerous. In the end, it was Petrov and Rosberg.

What state of mind were you in when you were driving behind Vitaly Petrov? Did you think you were losing the title?
I didn't think anything. I kept my concentration to overtake Petrov. Ultimately, it was impossible. But you always have to be there because anything can happen, a driver can make a mistake. We had a good championship. The final victory was close but we will try for the next few years.

Sebastian Vettel is he a beautiful World Champion?
The champion is always the best throughout the year. Sebastian had a great season, he was very fast. He achieved ten pole positions. They were better than the others.

In your opinion, where was the championship played out over the entire season?
It's hard to say. The season went well for us, especially towards the end. We had a good championship. In recent years (Renault, 2008-09), I was still in Q2 or Q3 a few times, whereas now I am fighting for the championship. With Ferrari, I won five Grands Prix, I surpassed the number of victories of Fangio and Lauda this year. It is a dream. I think continuing with Ferrari is the best thing for me.

You lost other championships in the last race. Do you accept this defeat better than others?
This year we were worse than Red Bull. Finishing second in the championship is my true place. When you lose the championship with the best car, like in 2007 (with McLaren), it?s a little harder.